Asymmetric computer tablet and docking system

ABSTRACT

A system for docking a computer tablet with a docking station. The computer tablet has an asymmetrical edge that is adapted to rest in a cradle portion of the docking station. While resting in the docking station the computer tablet may be rotated to various angles and still maintain electrical connectivity to the docking station.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/646,051, filed Oct. 5, 2012,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers have evolved over the last half century, from large VAX stylecomputers that were the size of entire rooms to small smart phone thatcan fit in a person's pocket. With the advances in technology, otherstyles of computer have come in to existence. The desktop PC evolvedinto the portable lap-top and recently evolved again into the computertablet (e.g. Apple I-Pad™, Samsung Galaxy Tablet™ etc.) Besides theadvances in the computer themselves, the peripheral devices (e.g.docking stations, printers, scanners, televisions, etc.) that operateconjunctively with the computers have evolved.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,570 to Cox, et al. issued Jan. 30, 2007 and entitled“Method and apparatus for selectively increasing the operating speed ofan electronic circuit” discloses a system that facilitates selectivelyincreasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit, such as acomputer system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,484 to Chien et al. issued Jul. 24, 2001 andentitled “Docking Station for a Notebook Computer with a DownwardlyOriented Docking Connector” discloses a docking station adapted for usewith a notebook computer with a downwardly oriented docking connector.The top side of the housing of the docking station has an upwardlyoriented electrical connector which is adapted for mating with thedocking connector in a in a vertical direction. An ejector is mounted inthe housing, and is movable upwardly and downwardly for placement andremoval of the notebook computer. A rotary shaft is mounted to thehousing, and is coupled to the ejector for moving the ejector forplacement and removal of the computer in the docking station. Anoperating member is mounted on the housing, and is coupled to the rotaryshaft. The operating member is operable from an exterior of the housingfor rotating the rotary shaft.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,985 to Nguyen, et al. issued Jun. 24, 2003 andentitled “Elevationally Adjustable Portable Computer Docking Station”discloses a portable computer docking station housing provided on itsbottom side with a support foot structure which is pivotable relative tothe housing to prop it up on a horizontal work station surface in aselectively variable one of a series of different front-to-rear tiltangles thereon. This permits the opened display screen of a dockedportable computer disposed on the top side of the docking stationhousing to be selectively adjusted upwardly and downwardly in a verticalplane to accommodate the height and viewing preferences of a user of thedocked computer. A specially designed spring-loaded, manually operableclutch mechanism is useable to releasably lock the support foot in itsselected pivotal orientation relative to the housing. Various peripheraldevice connection ports are conveniently incorporated in the supportfoot.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,015 to Yin issued Sep. 23, 2003 and entitled“Portable Computer Docking Tray System” discloses a portable computerdocking tray system with a docking tray for facilitating securing aportable computer to a docking station. The docking tray is also servesas a compact and light-weight auxiliary power source for the portablecomputer that may be transported with the portable computer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,654,826 to Cho, et al. issued Nov. 25, 2003 and entitled“Docking System for a Portable Computer” discloses in a docking systemfor a portable computer, the bus sharing structure between the portablecomputer and a docking station and the structure of the docking stationare improved so that the real time execution of a program and thesharing of data and peripheral devices are possible. The docking systemof the portable computer includes: a docking station including anauxiliary storage device wherein a first operating system is stored, I/Odevices, a plurality of extension slots and a plurality of ports, butexcluding a microprocessor and a memory; a portable computer including aROM wherein a second operating system is stored, a microprocessor, amemory wherein commands and data are stored in an electronic manner, anda docking controller for selecting one of the first and second operatingsystems according to whether or not the portable computer is docked atthe docking station; and first and second signal transmitting unitsprovided at the portable computer and the docking station, respectively,for performing transmission and reception of data between the portablecomputer and the docking station.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,881 to Oross issued Dec. 23, 2003 and entitled“Alignment Mechanism for a Computer System having a Portable Computerand a Docking Station” discloses a docking station for a portablecomputer contains a platform and a movable guide bar connected to thedocking station and extending over the platform. The guide bar iscapable of guiding the portable computer into proper alignment with thedocking station when the portable computer is placed on the guide barand pressed downwardly into the platform. The guide bar may contain athermally conductive guide protrusion capable of mating with a heat sinkon the portable computer. Heat is transferred from the heat sink on theportable computer to the guide protrusion on the guide bar. The guidebar itself may also be thermally conductive, providing a further avenuefor heat to be transferred from the portable computer to the dockingstation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,265 to Baweja, et al. issued Aug. 3, 2004 andentitled “Docking Station for a Laptop Computer” discloses A laptopcomputer and a docking station. The laptop computer includes amicroprocessor and a first video card in electrical communication withthe microprocessor. The docking station includes a projector and asecond video card in electrical communication with the projector. Upon amounting of the laptop on the docking station, an electricalcommunication is established between the microprocessor and the secondvideo card, and an electrical communication is established between theprojector and the first video card. The microprocessor selectivelyprovides control signals to either the first video card or the secondvideo card. The first video card provides video signals to the projectorin response to the control signals, and the second video card providesthe video signals to the projector in response to the control signals.The projector provides video images in response to the video signals asreceived from either the first video card or the second video card.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,856,506 to Doherty, et al. issued Feb. 15, 2005 andentitled “Tablet Computing Device with Three-dimensional DockingSupport” discloses a tablet computer and a docking station assembly.This docking station comprises a docking assembly for positioning withthree degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanicallysupporting and interfacing with the tablet computer. A support membercouples the docking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes anumber of ports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices orpower supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuitboard contained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit(FPC) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowingthe signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to thedata connector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contactor touch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet tofacilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either alandscape or portrait mode.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,914,197 to Doherty, et al. issued Jul. 5, 2005 andentitled “Flexible Circuit Board for Tablet Computing Device” disclosesa tablet computer and a docking station assembly. This docking stationincludes a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees offreedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting andinterfacing with the tablet computer. A support member couples thedocking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes a number ofports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or powersupplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit boardcontained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit (FPC)combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing thesignal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to the dataconnector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contact ortouch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet tofacilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either alandscape or portrait mode.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,937,468 to Lin, et al. issued Aug. 30, 2005 and entitled“Portable Computer and Portable Docking Station Arrangement” discloses aportable docking station equipped with a keyboard, a swinging bracketpivoted to the portable docking station, and a portable computerinsertable into the swinging bracket in one of two reversed directionsfor enabling the arrangement to be used as a notebook computer or atablet PC. A spare battery pack is provided at the portable dockingstation, and chargeable by external power supply upon insertion of theportable computer into the swinging bracket. Data transmission betweenthe portable docking station and the portable computer may be achievedby a wired transmission method or wireless transmission method.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,182 to Sims issued Jul. 18, 2006 and entitled“Automatic Tablet Scratch Pad” discloses a method, apparatus, andsignal-bearing medium for determining that a tablet electronic device isdocked to a docking station. Upon detection, a scratchpad application isstarted. When a telephone call occurs, a telephone message padapplication is started. In this way, an application is automaticallyselected for the tablet electronic device.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,279 to Liu, et al. issued Jan. 9, 2007 and entitled“Pivotal hinge Mechanism Used for Portable Computer” discloses animproved pivotal hinge mechanism used for portable computer equippedwith a stopper device which when portable computer and a docking stationare joined together shall be actuated by the docking station to preventthe LCD of the portable computer from rotating in left and rightdirection, so that the collision happened between the docking stationand the LCD of the portable computer due to rotation of the LCD relativeto the computer mainframe shall be avoided; when the portable computeris disconnected from the docking station said stopper device shallimmediately return to the normal position so that the LCD of theportable computer can rotate again in an angle of 0 180 degrees in leftand right direction with respect to the computer mainframe.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,209,124 to Hunt, et al. issued Apr. 24, 2007 andentitled “Multiple-Position Docking Station for a Tablet PersonalComputer” discloses a multiple-position docking station for a tabletpersonal computing device. A different mode of operation of the tabletpersonal computing device is supported by different positions of thedocking station. A first mode of operation may be supported when thetablet personal computing device is positioned to extend in a more orless perpendicular direction from a work surface. A second mode ofoperation may be supported when the tablet personal computing device ispositioned so that it extends in a more or less parallel direction withrespect to a work surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,298,613 to Yin, et al. issued Nov. 20, 2007 and entitled“Portable Computer Docking Station” discloses a portable computerdocking station comprising a base and a panel rotatably connected to thebase. An angle is formed between the base and the panel. A mountingpoint is disposed on the panel and provides a releasable connection toan interface assembly that is operable to releasably connect to aportable computer. An adjusting system controls the angle of the panelrelative to the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,911,779 to Tarnoff issued Mar. 22, 2011 and entitled“Computer Docking Station” discloses a computer docking station providedfor supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer thatincludes a docking connector and an aperture at least partly defining acarrying handle for the computer. The docking station includes a bodywith a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the computerand having a connector operable to electrically couple with the dockingconnector of the computer. The body further includes an arm portionsized and configured to be received in the aperture in the computer. Alatching member is coupled with the arm portion and is movable between afirst position relative to the arm portion, in which the arm portion canbe inserted into or removed from the aperture in the portable computer,and a second position relative to the arm portion, in which the armportion cannot be removed from the aperture in the portable computer.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,940,522 to Solomon, et al. issued May 10, 2011 andentitled “Portable Computer Docking Station” discloses a cradle coupledto a docking base where the cradle is adapted to receive a portablecomputer. The docking station also comprises a wireless receiver adaptedto communicate a wireless input signal received by the docking stationto the portable computer.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,949,797 to Yan, et al. issued May 24, 2011 and entitled“Computer Docking Station and Switching Method thereof” discloses acomputer docking station and a switching method thereof. The methodcomprises: monitoring whether a wired input/output module is connectedto a host computer, and outputting a monitoring result; controlling afirst data processing module to be connected to the wired input/outputmodule when the monitoring result indicates that the wired input/outputmodule is connected to the host computer, or otherwise controlling thefirst data processing module to be connected to a wireless input/outputmodule when the monitoring result indicates that the wired input/outputmodule is not connected to the host computer. According to the presentinvention, an extended interface can be provided to the host computer ineither of a wireless way and a wired way.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,098,488 to Lewandowski, et al. issued Jan. 17, 2012 andentitled “Computer Docking Station for a Vehicle” discloses a computerdocking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portablecomputer that has a docking connector includes a body having a supportportion configured to support the portable computer, and a mainconnector moveable relative to the body between an engaged position inwhich the main connector is engageable with the docking connector, and adisengaged position. The computer docking station also includes a framecoupled to the body and the main connector. The frame is movablerelative to the body between a first position, in which the mainconnector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in whichthe main connector is in the engaged position. The computer dockingstation further includes a subframe coupled to the frame. The subframeis movable with the frame from the first position to the second positionand is movable relative to the frame from the second position to a thirdposition to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engagedposition.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,127,155 to Baarman, et al. issued Feb. 28, 2012 andentitled “Wireless Power Adapter for Computer” discloses A wirelesspower adapter that mounts to the docking station port of a portablecomputer, such as a laptop computer, notebook computer or tabletcomputer. The wireless power adapter includes a docking port electricalconnector selected to interface with the pre-existing docking portelectrical connector on the portable computer. The adapter docking portelectrical connector includes power pins to connect with thepre-existing power pins of the portable computer docking port electricalconnector. The wireless power adapter may include an inductive secondaryto wirelessly receive power from an inductive primary. The wirelesspower adapter may include a mechanical connector that interfaces withthe pre-existing docking station mechanical connector on the portablecomputer. The present invention may also include a remote inductivepower supply having a base adapted to support the laptop and adaptercombination. The base may includes inductive power supply circuitry andan inductive primary to produce an inductive field to wirelessly providepower to the adapter and ultimately the portable computer. The remoteinductive power supply may alternatively be embedded within a worksurface, such as a desktop.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,182,426 to Zhao, et al. issued May 22, 2012 and entitled“Docking Station and Ultrasonic Diagnostic System” discloses anultrasonic diagnostic system having a tablet type electronic device forultrasonic diagnosis and a docking station for mounting thereto theelectronic device removably. The docking station includes a receptaclesection against which one side of the electronic device comes intoabutment when mounting the electronic device, and a hold-down sectionfor holding down the electronic device releasably on the side oppositeto the one side when mounting the electronic device.

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention includes tablet computers and theirassociated docking stations.

2. Description of Related Art

Tablet Computers

One of the latest and most popular computer form is that of a touchscreen tablet (e.g. the Apple™ Ipad™). A computer tablet does not have aphysical keyboard for the user to interface with the tablet. Instead,the image of a traditional QWERTY style keyboard is displayed on thetouch screen. The user merely touches the letters on this virtualkeyboard to interface with the tablet. But, if a user does desire thephysical keyboard, there exists physical QWERTY style keyboards that areadapted to interface with the computer tablet (e.g. ASUS KeyboardDocking Station

http://usa.asus.com/Tablet/Transformer_Pad/Eee_Pad_Transformer_TF101/)

Previous computer tablets have no distinct portions that allow the userto grip the tablet. Tablet computers, being designed to be held by auser, are susceptible to being dropped. Users have previously overcomethis difficulty by purchasing one of a variety of available cases thatattach to the tablet. These cases almost invariably have a greatercoefficient of friction than the actual tablet, which assists the userfrom having the tablet sheer through his fingers.

Docking Stations

As is well known in the prior art, when the tablet computer is operablyconnected to the docking station, the docking station provides the usera physical keyboard to interface with the tablet computer. Furthermore,the docking station also provides power to recharges the battery of thetablet computer. The docking station can be powered by either a batteryor conventional AC power. Also, some docking stations include a printer.Incorporating a keyboard, printer and power source is readily apparentto one normally skilled in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention a docking system is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the docking system is for a tablet computer and comprises: adocking station with a recess formed to accept a portion of a tabletcomputer; a tablet computer with a cross-section along one of saidtablet computer's edges that is different from the cross-section of theother edges of said tablet computer; and a keyboard wirelessly connectedto said docking station and said tablet computer.

In one variant of the docking system a portion of a cross-section alongone of the tablet computer's edges is circular.

In another variant, the tablet computer is stably at rest in the dockingstation at a first angle and at a second angle.

In still another variant, the docking station comprises a printer.

In still another variant, the docking station has a plurality ofelectrical connectors within its recess.

In still another variant, the tablet computer has a different pluralityof electrical connectors contacting the plurality of electricalconnectors within the recess.

In still yet another variant, The plurality of electrical connectors onthe tablet computer and the plurality of electrical connectors in therecess remain in contact at a first angle between the computer tabletand docking station and at a second angle between the computer tabletand docking station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, objectives, and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent from the detailed description set forth below when takenin conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graphic representation of the present invention showing thetablet computer, the docking station and a recessed computer keyboard.

FIG. 1.A. is a bottom view of the computer tablet this is subject of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1.B. is a top view of the computer tablet that is subject of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1.C. is a right side view of the computer tablet that is subject ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1.D. is a left side view of the computer tablet that is subject ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1.E. is a front view of the computer tablet that is subject of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1.F. is a right side view close up of the bottom of the computertablet this is subject of the present invention.

FIG. 1.G. is a left side view close up of the bottom of the computertablet this is subject of the present invention.

FIG. 1.H. is the back view of the computer tablet that is subject of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1.I is the back view of the computer tablet that is subject of thepresent invention with the display kickstand extended.

FIG. 1.J. is a front view of the computer tablet this is subject of thepresent invention with the stylus removed from the computer tablet.

FIG. 2.A. is a top down view of the docking station that is subject ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2.B. is a front view of the docking station that is subject of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2.C. is a side view of the docking station that is subject of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2.D. is a cross-sectional view of the docking station that issubject of the present invention.

FIG. 2.E. is a back view of the docking station that is subject of thepresent invention with the printer paper feed door opened.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will immediatelybe recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference tothe attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodimentsas given below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “Bluetooth” refers without limitation to anydevice, software, interface or technique that complies with one or moreof the Bluetooth technical standards, including Bluetooth CoreSpecification Version 1.1 (ratified as IEEE Standard 802.15.1-2002)Version 1.2 (ratified as IEEE Standard 802.15.1-2005), Version 2.0, andVersion 2.1+ EDR, each of the foregoing being incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, and any subsequent versions thereof.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML,VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such asthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (includingJ2ME, Java Beans, etc.), Binary Runtime Environment (BREW), and thelike.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM. PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/2SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR), andPSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “digital processor” aremeant generally to include all types of digital processing devicesincluding, without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs), reducedinstruction set computers (RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors,microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computefabrics (RCFs), array processors, secure microprocessors, andapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Such digitalprocessors may be contained on a single unitary IC die, or distributedacross multiple components.

As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generallyto any type of data, telecommunications or other network including,without limitation, data networks (including MANs, PANs, WANs, LANs,WLANs, micronets, piconets, internets, and intranets), hybrid fiber coax(HFC) networks, satellite networks, cellular networks, and telconetworks. Such networks or portions thereof may utilize any one or moredifferent topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop, etc.), transmissionmedia (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeter wave, optical,etc.) and/or communications or networking protocols (e.g., SONET,DOCSIS, IEEE Std. 802.3, 802.11, 802.20, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, 3GPP,3GPP2, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP, RTP/RTCP, H.323, etc.).

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal, data,or software interface with a component, network or process including,without limitation, those of the FireWire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.),USB (e.g., USB2), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (GigabitEthernet), 10-Gig-E, etc.), MoCA, Serial ATA (e.g., SATA, e-SATA,SATAII), Ultra-ATA/DMA, Coaxsys (e.g., TVnet™), radio frequency tuner(e.g., in-band or OOB, cable modem, etc.), Wi-Fi (802.11a,b,g,n), WiMAX(802.16), PAN (802.15), or IrDA families.

As used herein, the term “USB” refers to a serial bus standard tointerface devices to a host computer without limitation to USB 0.7, USB0.8, USB 0.9, USB 1.0 (Full-Speed USB), USB 1.1, USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed USB),USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB), and wireless USB Specification Rev 1.0 each ofthe foregoing being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,and any subsequent versions thereof.

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation, any ofthe variants of ANSI/IEEE-Std. 802.11 (“Informationtechnology—Telecommunications and information exchange betweensystems—Local and metropolitan area networks—Specific requirements—Part11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY)Specifications”) or related standards including 802.11a/b/e/g/n/y, eachof the foregoing being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi™,Bluetooth™, 3G, HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g., IS-95A, WCDMA, etc.),FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16), MWBA (802.20),narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS, analog cellular, CDPD, satellitesystems, millimeter wave or microwave systems, acoustic, and infrared(i.e., IrDA).

Overview

The preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention provides for anasymmetrical configuration of the frame of a tablet computer. One of thelengths of the tablet computer's frame has a different cross sectionthan the other sides. The asymmetric geometry of the tablet framecreates at least two distinctive advantages over prior art.

The increased cross section can be used as a hand grip for the user whenthe user is carrying the tablet computer. Furthermore, the mass in theincreased cross section shifts the center of gravity of the computertablet from the geographical center of the computer tablet. This featureprovides greater stability to the tablet computer when docked in thedocking station.

The computer tablet cross-section is coordinated with the geometry ofthe recess of the docking station. The docking station cradles thecomputer tablet. In one embodiment, the outer radius of the tablet frameis the same as the inner radius of the of the docking station cradle.While resting in the cradle of the docking station, the tablet can beadjusted through a variety of viewing angles to accommodate theindividual user's preferred viewing angle. In another embodiment, theincreased cross-section has sprockets and the cradle of the dockingstation has a series of indentations designed to accept the sprockets.As such, the viewing angles available are predetermined and notcontinuous. In yet another embodiment, the increased cross-section canbe that of a hexagon, decagon, or other similar polygon shape; thegeometry of the recess is correspondingly adjusted to accommodate thosecross-sections.

While resting in the cradle of the docking station, the tablet isoperationally and electrically connected to the docking station. Theseconnections are located and sized to allow the tablet and the dockingstation to maintain electrical connectivity through out the variousangles at which the tablet can rest in the docking station cradle.

Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiments

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Theforegoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated ofcarrying out the invention. This description is in no way meant to belimiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the generalprinciples of the invention. The scope of the invention should bedetermined with reference to the claims.

FIG. 1. shows the tablet computer 100 docked in the docking station 200,and the physical QWERTY style keyboard 300. FIG. 1.A. is the bottom ofthe computer tablet. The tablet computer has a microprocessor and memoryinside it making it capable of running computer programs. The tabletcomputer also has wireless communication capability. The tablet computerhas Electrical connections 102 located along the outside of the tablet.These connections allow for the tablet computer to electricallyinterface with the docking station. Due to the length and placement ofthe connections, the tablet computer can maintain the electricalconnection with the docking station at a variety of angles. Anotherelectrical connection 104 allows the tablet computer to be charged via acable plugged into a wall outlet or connected to a computer via a USBport. FIG. 1.B is the top down view of the computer tablet 100.

FIG. 1.C and FIG. 1.D. most readily show the asymmetric cross section ofthe computer tablet. In this preferred embodiment the bottom edge of thecomputer tablet has a circular cross section. The diameter of thecircular cross section is greater in length than the thickness of thecomputer tablet 100. FIG. 1.E is a front view of the computer tablet100.

FIG. 1.F is a close-up view of the asymmetrical portion of the computertablet. The increased volume of the asymmetric portion of the computertable is adapted to house a stylus 106. The other side of the asymmetricportion of the computer table shown in FIG. 1.G has a threaded cap 108which allows the user to access a battery that powers the computertablet.

FIGS. 1.H and 1.I show that the computer tablet 100 has a retractablestand 110. FIG. 1.H shows the stand refracted where FIG. 1.I shows theretractable stand extended to allow the computer tablet to be set on adesk or other surface for viewing.

FIGS. 2.A, 2.B, and 2.C are the docking station 200 from various angles.There is a power button 202 located on the top of the docking station.The computer tablet 100 communicates with the docking station 200 viaWiFi or Bluetooth technology. The interface between items using thesetwo technologies is readily apparent to one skilled in the art.Furthermore, when the computer tablet 100 rests in the cradle 204 of thedocking station 200, the electrical connectors 102 connect to theelectrical interfaces 206.

FIG. 2.D is a cross section of the docking station 200 showing acircular cross section of the cradle 204. The preferred embodiment ofthe cradle cross section is circular, but need not be. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the cradle cross section is half of apolygon configuration that corresponds to a polygon configuration of theasymmetrical portion of the computer tablet. There is a portion of spaceinside 206 the docking station 200 which allows for the physical QWERTYkeyboard 300 to be recessed when not in use. The physical QWERTYkeyboard 300 is wirelessly connected to the docking station 200 andcomputer tablet via Bluetooth connection.

It should be noted that the docking station disclosed herein may beconfigured to incorporate accessories such as speaker(s), clock(s),wireless router(s), and other accessories that may complement or benecessary for the operation of the docking system.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tablet computer with a cross-section along oneof said tablet computer's edges that is substantially greater than allcross-sections of the other edges of said tablet computer, such that itshifts the center of gravity of said tablet computer away from itsgeographical center and toward said tablet computer's edge having saidsubstantially greater cross-section, such that to provide increasedstability of said tablet computer when at least a portion of said tabletcomputer's edge having said substantially greater cross-section sits ona resting surface.
 2. The tablet computer of claim 1, wherein thesubstantially greater cross-section has a shape that is substantiallycircular such that to enable smooth rotation of the tablet computerabout a longitudinal axis of the edge having the substantially greatercross-section when the tablet computer is adjusted by a user through aplurality of preferred viewing angles with respect to the restingsurface.
 3. The tablet computer of claim 2, wherein said shape isconfigured to provide a projection extending substantiallyperpendicularly to said tablet computer's back surface.
 4. The tabletcomputer of claim 3, wherein the projection is configured for use as ahand grip by the user to prevent slip from said user's hand when theuser is carrying said tablet computer in the user's hand.
 5. The tabletcomputer of claim 2, wherein the shape of said tablet computer's edgehaving said substantially greater cross-section has a plurality ofsprockets and is configured to fit closely into a recess portion of adocking station.
 6. The tablet computer of claim 1, wherein thesubstantially greater cross-section has a polygonal shape.
 7. The tabletcomputer of claim 5, wherein said edge having said substantially greatercross-section comprises a first plurality of electrical connectorsconfigured to maintain electrical contact with a corresponding secondplurality of electrical connectors of said docking station.